Coco Gauff, named to Time magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year list, wants peace in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, but the young tennis star is concerned about conflict As this continues, I fear the worst.
In an article published Wednesday, the 2023 U.S. Open champion told the magazine that in October, Hamas militants attacked Israel’s southern border, killing more than 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. He was referring to the ongoing war that began on the 7th.
Coco Gauff of the United States plays Nadia Podoroska (Argentina) in the second round on the seventh day of the Miami Open hosted by Itaú on March 22, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
“I don’t really support the mass violence that’s being perpetrated against innocent people on both ends of the spectrum,” Gauff said. “And one side is being killed at a dramatically higher rate than the other side.”
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“Hamas wants all the Israeli hostages released and wants a cease-fire, but they are concerned that neither side is listening to the other,” the magazine quoted Gauff as saying. .
“I feel like more and more, if you don’t support what’s happening in Gaza, you feel like you’re an anti-Semite,” Gauff added. “I feel like it’s far from that.”
Arina Sabalenka of Belarus plays in the women’s singles final on day 13 of the 2023 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, on September 9, 2023. Coco Gauff is seen from point to point in the boroughs of New York City. (Coco Gauff)
Days after the October 7 attack, the WTA issued a statement condemning the “horrific act of terrorism.”
“The WTA mourns the loss of innocent lives in Israel, grieves those still searching for their loved ones, and condemns the horrific acts of terrorism and violence in the region. , and stand with Israeli athletes and all WTA athletes, including those from communities in Israel.” We are in conflict all over the world, and we support the recovery of the injured, the healing of affected communities, and the support of all WTA athletes, including those from communities in Israel. And I pray for peace in the region. ”
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Gauff also posted a message on Instagram at the time condemning “all acts of terrorism.”
“I am saddened by the tragic loss of innocent life and categorically condemn any act of terrorism. My heart goes out to the lives of the innocent Israelis and Palestinians involved,” she said. said in a post via Tennis World.
Coco Gauff of the United States reacts during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open Tennis Championships at Melbourne Park on Friday, January 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
“The heinous nature of these acts is incomprehensible and our hearts go out to the families of those who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and those who remain missing. remains hopeful for peace in this region. My family and I will continue to pray for all families who are grieving as we stand firm in the fight against all forms of hatred.”
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Gauff, 20, told the magazine that she would “not be shy” about discussing the topic.
“I’m not one to shy away from what I feel I know,” she says. “And I feel like I know quite a bit about this subject.”
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